Importance of Web Security

Overview

Web security is the practice of protecting websites, web applications, and the data and information they contain from security threats and vulnerabilities. Web security is important because the internet has become an essential part of modern life, and websites and web applications play a central role in many aspects of business, commerce, communication, and entertainment.

Threats to web security

There are many threats to web security, including:

Malware

Malware is a malicious software that’s created to damage computer systems, steal sensitive information, or gain unauthorized access to a network. It’s installed on the computer without the user’s knowledge and can cause various problems, from slowing down the computer to compromising sensitive data.

  • Viruses: A virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to legitimate files or programs on a computer. Once the infected file is opened, the virus can replicate itself and spread to other files on the computer, causing damage to the system.

  • Worms: A worm is a type of malware that exploits vulnerabilities in software or hardware to spread itself over a network. It can cause significant damage to networks by consuming bandwidth and causing servers to crash.

  • Trojan horses: A Trojan horse is a type of malware that’s disguised as a legitimate program or file but contains hidden malicious code. Trojan horses can be used to steal sensitive information or create a back door into the victim’s computer system.

  • Ransomware: Ransomware is a sort of software that encrypts the victim’s files or locks them out of their computer until they pay a ransom. Businesses and organizations can experience substantial downtime and financial loss as a result.

  • Adware: Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements or pop-ups on the victim’s computer system. It’s often bundled with legitimate software downloads and can be difficult to remove once installed.

Get hands-on with 1400+ tech skills courses.